Veterinary procedures in horses encompass a range of medical and surgical interventions performed to diagnose, treat, and manage equine health conditions. These procedures are designed to address various health issues, from routine care to emergency interventions. Common veterinary procedures include vaccinations, dental care, lameness evaluations, reproductive services, and surgical interventions such as colic surgery or fracture repair. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, outcomes, and advancements in veterinary procedures for horses, providing insights into their application and efficacy in equine medicine.
Fuller GS.The research article documents a study which found that distemper antitoxin can effectively prevent and treat influenza or shipping fever in horses. Introduction to the Research The research was conducted [...]
This article provides an overview of initial assessment and management of common emergency presentations in donkeys and mules. The principles are similar to those in horses (and ponies), but clinicians must be aware of differences in recognition of signs of pain/disease, approach to handling, pharmacology of some drugs, and subtle differences in the physiology and local anatomy in donkeys and mules. The epidemiology of common disease presentations will vary between pet/companion or working/farmed donkeys and mules. Regular dental checks, deworming, vaccination, and monitoring of behavior and q...
Eight mares with third-degree rectovestibular lacerations were treated by a two-stage surgical technique. The rectovestibular shelf was corrected with three parallel 'circular' continuous suture rows distributed along the longitudinal axis of the vagina, and the perineal body was reconstructed with three divergent simple continuous rows. Primary healing of the first-stage surgery occurred in all the mares. Seven of the mares completed the two-stage surgery and primary healing occurred in all of them. One of them returned to endurance racing competition and one was lost to follow-up. The other ...
A 4-week old Quarter Horse filly was evaluated for abnormal gait and lateral deviation of the cervical spine. Physical examination findings prompted radiographs and computed tomography of the thoracic vertebral column which revealed hypoplasia of several thoracic vertebral bodies and resultant scoliosis of the thoracic vertebral column and deviation of the left and right hemithoraces and associated ribs. Collectively, radiography and computed tomography provided an accurate description of the vertebral malformations resulting in scoliosis in this foal.
A 4-month-old Thoroughbred filly presented for abdominal pain was diagnosed with a T-shaped malformation of the ventral colon at exploratory laparotomy. Following resection and anastomosis of the large colon, no further episodes of abdominal pain occurred during a 12-month follow-up. Acute dehiscence of the linea alba occurred as a complication of the initial laparotomy, but was successfully managed following additional surgical repair. T-shaped malformation of the ventral colon has not previously been reported and is considered a congenital malformation of mesocolon formation.
Within the veterinary world, data regarding the surgical management of hypospadias is lacking. Reports within equines have documented resective phallectomy procedures rather than urethral reconstruction. This case report documents the first ever urethroplasty for an equine hypospadias, performed by a consultant paediatric surgeon. The urethroplasty was achieved by applying the same surgical principles mastered from paediatric urology to a horse. The indication for surgery was contact dermatitis of the hind-leg, which impaired the thoroughbred foal's racing potential. Methods: A single stage ur...
Initial treatment of colic is aimed at maintaining hydration and acid-base balance, controlling pain and reestablishing peristalsis. A poor response to medical treatment in the first 12-18 hours suggests the need for laparotomy. Other indications for surgery include: rising pulse rate, exceeding 60/minute for several hours; congested mucosae; delayed capillary refill; silent abdomen; gastric reflux; distended or displaced loops of bowel on rectal examination; intractable pain; and adverse laboratory findings. Postoperative care should consist of hand-walking for 30 days, followed by confinemen...
Pye E, Marcilla MG, Duncan JC.Regional anaesthesia of the equine anogenital tract is limited to local infiltration, extradural, blind palpation and nerve stimulator-guided techniques which risk iatrogenic damage, recumbency and ataxia. This study aimed to describe and assess the feasibility of transcutaneous ultrasound-guided (USG) pudendal nerve staining in equine cadavers. An initial pilot phase used two fresh equine cadavers and one standing unsedated horse to image the intrapelvic anatomy using ultrasound. One fixed equine cadaver specimen was also dissected to identify the pudendal nerve and refine the dissection appr...
Rodrigues GJ, Monteiro FDO, Teixeira PPM.This case report describes the successful application of video-assisted hysteroscopy to evaluate endometrial recovery in a 6-year-old mare following treatment for complete uterine prolapse secondary to dystocia. Upon presentation, the uterus was manually reduced and supported with a Buhner's suture. A multimodal medical protocol, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and uterine lavage, was initiated. Five days after reduction, an endoscopic evaluation was performed using a dedicated videovaginoscope without uterine insufflation. The procedure provided high-resolution i...
Belova N, Malle A, Schieder K, Licka TF.For centesis of the equine navicular bursa radiographs confirming needle placement are recommended, this can be a logistical challenge. Therefore, we aimed to identify the usefulness of radiographic measurements for centesis of the navicular bursa. On lateromedial radiographs localization of the centre of the flexor surface of the navicular bone was determined in 26 isolated limbs. Based on these measurements, 21 novice veterinary students performed 130 needle placements using the axial distal palmar technique injecting one of five dyes per cadaver limb. Success was identified on dissection as...
Giotis D, Konstantinidis C, Plakoutsis S, Vardakas D, Panagiotopoulos V.The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a rare case of pelvic ring injury in a healthy man without a history of high energy damage. A 43-year-old man presented to the emergency with local pain in pubic symphysis and difficulty walking after horseback riding. The patient did not report any fall or injury during this recreational activity, and apart from tachycardia, he was hemodynamically stable with normal blood pressure. Additionally, no deficit of neurological function was observed. The radiological imaging demonstrated an injury of the pelvic ring APC II with a diastasis of pubic symph...
Lani NR, Schoonover MJ, Williams MR, Messina A, Rudra P.To establish whether tourniquet type and number influence synovial fluid amikacin concentrations of the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) after standing saphenous IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with 2 g of amikacin. Unassigned: 8 healthy adult horses underwent 4 saphenous IVRLP protocols with amikacin, differing in tourniquet type (pneumatic vs wide rubber) and number (1 placed mid-gaskin vs 1 placed mid-gaskin and 1 mid-metatarsus) in a randomized, crossover design. Amikacin concentrations were measured in serum and synovial fluid of the TCJ and MTPJ at 15 and 30...
Gernhardt J, Reuter T, Mählmann K, Schulze N, Lischer CJ.To compare the feasibility and biomechanical stability of two surgical techniques for fixation of vertical plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB). Methods: Randomized experimental ex vivo study. Methods: Eight equine accessory carpal bones were included in a control group. A total of 20 equine cadaveric forelimbs were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10 per group). Methods: Vertical plane fractures were created palmar to the extensor sulcus using an oscillating saw. In Group 1 (CS), fractures were stabilized with two 4.5 mm cortical screws in lag fashion. In Group 2 (XP...
Johnson CI, Hyde LE, Cornwall T, Spear M.At the University of Bristol, we established a novel dissection course to complement our anatomy degree. Students enrolled in this undergraduate course are trained as comparative anatomists, with equal time given to both human and veterinary anatomy. Historically, students opted to dissect either human or veterinary donors as part of the course. To fully reflect the comparative nature of the degree, the dissection course was redesigned so students could dissect both human and veterinary specimens as part of the same course. This facilitated a wide-ranging experience of anatomy, encouraging det...
Aßmann AD, Suà rez Sà nchez-Andrade J, Bischofberger AS.To determine the diagnostic performance of standing computed tomographic tenography (CTT) in detecting naturally occurring intrathecal lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF), and in identifying palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) desmitis and constriction in horses undergoing tenoscopy. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Client-owned horses of various breeds and use, median age of 12.5 years (range: 6-20 years). Methods: A total of 24 horses with inconclusive ultrasonographic and contrast tenograp...
Paranjape VV, Hopster K, Lutvikadic I, Driessen B.Intraoperative haemorrhage during equine anaesthesia is a rare but potentially fatal complication requiring prompt haemodynamic support. Postural manoeuvres such as Trendelenburg (TL) positioning and vasopressor support augment venous return and improve cardiac output (CO), yet their efficacy in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses remains unstudied. Objective: To evaluate haemodynamic effects of TL positioning during normovolemia and acute haemorrhagic hypovolemia, and to determine whether concurrent norepinephrine (NE) infusion enhances cardiovascular stabilisation. Methods: In vivo experiments....
Forni G, Falomo ME, Casalini I, Isola M.Ossifying fibromas are uncommon in horses and complete surgical excision with premaxillectomy, maxillectomy or mandibulectomy is recommended. Piezosurgery has been previously used in equines only in one study. Objective: To report a case of ossifying fibroma treated with piezosurgery and to describe its follow-up. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: A 4-year-old Zangersheide gelding was presented for a mass occupying the space of tooth 202. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, which was removed by resection of soft tissues and a slice of the premaxilla with a piezotome. ...
Gehrke RS, Ehrle A, Müller EMT, Kraul RK, Schmitz P, Lischer CJ.A three-day-old male Warmblood foal presented with inability to urinate. Primary diagnostic findings included abdominal distension, hyperkalemia, azotemia, and ultrasonographic evidence for free anechoic fluid in the abdominal cavity. Abdominocentesis confirmed the diagnosis of an uroperitoneum [peritoneal fluid to serum creatinine ratio (>2:1)]. Suture repair of a dorsal urinary bladder wall defect was performed, but leakage along the suture tracts resulted in recurrent uroperitoneum confirmed by computed tomographic urography after two days. Repeated cystorrhaphy was performed but uroperi...
Phillips NAI, Fortier LA, Cable CS, Colbath AC.In horses, standing arthroscopy offers a valuable alternative to general anesthesia for the reduction of anesthetic-associated risks, and provides improved visualization in joints where access is facilitated by weightbearing. These techniques are particularly advantageous for patients with increased anesthetic risk or financial limitations. To the authors' knowledge, the removal of osteochondral fragments from the distal interphalangeal joint in a standing, sedated horse using small-diameter arthroscopic equipment has not been previously reported. Methods: A 7-year-old American Quarter Horse-T...
Parra-Torres DL, Melo-Neto GB, Garcia HO, Souza APA, Apolonio EVP, Rodrigues CA, Alves ALG, Hussni CA, Watanabe MJ.The objective of this study was to compare the number of vessels of the proximal venous access (ramus cranialis of vena saphena medialis) and the distal venous access (vena digitalis dorsalis communis II) for venography and, consequently, intravenous regional limb perfusion of the tarsal region. Seven horses underwent venographic examination of both hind limbs, divided into two groups: proximal venous access (PG) and distal venous access (DG). Rubber tourniquets were applied to the middle third of the tibia and the proximal third of the III metatarsal bone. Thirty mL of contrast was injected (...
Mârza SM, Munteanu C, Lăcătuş R, Papuc I, Bora FD, Purdoiu RC.Ionizing radiation therapy has undergone a clear paradigm shift in veterinary oncology and inflammatory disease management, moving from mainly palliative use toward structured, curative treatment programs. This review synthesizes current evidence on key modalities used in veterinary practice, including external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, systemic targeted radionuclide therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, radiosynoviorthesis, and low-dose radiotherapy. Each modality is discussed in relation to its physical and biological basis, major isotopes or beam types,...
Schulze N, Tull T, Drumond B, Reuter T, Werpy N.Radiographic myelography is the traditional diagnostic method for detecting cervical spinal cord compression in horses but it is limited by superimposition and restriction to sagittal plane imaging. Computed tomography (CT) and CT myelography overcome many of these limitations yet previous CT protocols have not allowed dynamic imaging in flexion and extension comparable to radiographs. Objective: To describe and evaluate a novel CT myelography protocol that enables imaging of the equine cervical vertebral column (C to C/T) in flexion, neutral, and extension, and to compare intervertebral angle...
Hepworth-Warren KL, Harbor K, Nelson NC, Kurihara M, Qu Y.To describe the effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on the ultrasonographic and radiographic appearances of lungs of horses being evaluated for equine asthma syndrome (EAS). Unassigned: Prospective observational study enrolling 32 adult horses evaluated for EAS. Ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations of the thorax were performed before and within 3 hours following BAL and scored using previously validated systems. The differences in scores between groups (normal, mild EAS, moderate/severe EAS) were evaluated through the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the differences in scores before and f...
Murphy C, Baglioni M, Lepage OM, Schumacher J, Kelleher L, Burke J, Gangl M.To our knowledge, the effect of sedation with romifidine on the grading of laryngeal function in horses has not been studied. Our objective was to examine the effects of romifidine on the grading of laryngeal function and the cross-sectional area of the rima glottis (CSARG). Methods: Ten horses underwent three endoscopic examinations of the larynx: once while unsedated (group R1), once after being sedated with romifidine (0.04Â mg/kg intravenously; group R2) and once again, while still sedated, after receiving a repeat dose of romifidine (0.08Â mg/kg intravenously, total dose; group R3). The r...
Bhadsavle KC, Jiddimani K.To describe a rapid surgical technique for removal of the intraocular nematode Setaria digitata from the anterior chamber of horses under standing sedation and to report clinical outcomes. Methods: Twelve client-owned horses (2021-2026) presented with a motile intracameral worm. Methods: All surgeries were performed under field conditions using standing sedation (xylazine 1.1 mg kg and butorphanol 0.1 mg kg IV), regional nerve blocks (lidocaine 2%), and topical anesthesia (proparacaine). A 2.8 mm uniplanar oblique (~45°) corneal incision was created ventrolaterally approximately 2â€...
Beldeanu S, Hopster K, Diez Bernal S, Stefanovski D, Gozalo-Marcilla M.To assess interobserver agreement and predictive value of the Combined Horse Anaesthetic Risk Identification and Optimisation Tool (CHARIOT) compared with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification system among five groups of evaluators with different levels of expertise, and to explore the association between risk scores and 7-day postoperative mortality. Methods: Prospective, observational, single-centre pilot study. Methods: A group of 50 client-owned horses. Methods: Each horse was assessed (ASA-PS and CHARIOT) before general anaesthesia by one evalua...
Palmieri V, Catone G, Conte A, Di Palma T, Liguori P, Izzo I, Vullo C.Uterine rupture is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of equine reproduction, typically associated with dystocia, uterine torsion, fetal manipulation, or hydrops. Tears may occur in either the uterine horns or body, although involvement of the ventral uterine body is rare. This case report describes an 11-year-old Arabian mare at 350 days of gestation that developed abdominal pregnancy secondary to uterine torsion and full-thickness ventral uterine rupture, resulting in fetal death and the free presence of the fetus within the peritoneal cavity. Surgical removal of the fetus and pri...
Gandini M, Bolz N, Czech C, Hartman M, Giusto G.Gastric outflow obstruction in horses is a rare but challenging condition, often resulting from either congenital anomalies or acquired lesions such as chronic ulceration or pyloric polyps. Conventional surgical bypass procedures, including gastrojejunostomy (GJ) or gastroduodenostomy and less commonly duodenojejunostomy, can restore patency but may lead to postoperative complications. Objective: To describe the presentation, surgical management, and postoperative outcome of two horses-an adult and a foal treated with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy combined with a side-to-side jejunojejunostomy (...
Lopez DE, Carmalt JL.The equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is divided into two non-communicating joint (discotemporal DTJ and discomandibular DMJ) compartments. Ultrasound has been extensively used as a diagnostic tool in the horse, but previous work has reported that ultrasound-guidance did not improve the success rate of TMJ arthrocentesis. However, this research focused only on the larger, easily accessed, DTJ compartment. However, most of the osseous pathology of the equine TMJ has been reported to be in the smaller DMJ. Unassigned: To determine whether using ultrasound-guidance would reduce the number of a...
Masca SA, Easley JT, Koch DW, Aragon JM, Winston SE, Bonilla AF.To validate the accuracy of the Synaptive Medical computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system for navigation in the equine cervical spine, focusing on anatomical targets that require precise localization. Unassigned: 3 equine cervical spine cadavers were used (C1-T1) for an experimental study design. A custom fiducial array was mounted into the dorsal spinous process of C2, with additional fiducial markers distributed for landmark registration. Four participants with varying surgical expertise used the Synaptive Medical CAS system to navigate 9 radiodense pins into 3 anatomical targets, including t...
Horne CR, Schnabel LV.To describe the proposed mechanism of action of shock wave therapy and discuss treatment considerations and guidelines for use in equine and canine practice. Unassigned: Client-owned animals with owner consent. Unassigned: Shock wave therapy is proposed to stimulate healing by generating forces that cause cells to undergo microtrauma and release anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors into the treated tissues. While the 4 types of shock wave therapies are discussed, electrohydraulic and piezoelectric are described in detail, as they are most utilized in veterinary medicine for the treat...
Smith C, Parente EJ.Ureteral ectopia is an uncommon but clinically important congenital abnormality in horses. If left untreated, it can lead to persistent dermatitis, urinary tract infections, and failure to thrive. Surgical correction is necessary, but traditional approaches have produced mixed results with high morbidity. Identification of a minimally invasive, effective technique would significantly improve prognosis. Objective: To describe the procedure and outcomes of cystoscopic guided laser neoureterocystostomy in three fillies. Methods: Case series. Methods: Retrospective review of three cases treated wi...
Paz JHN, de Souza MMN, Limeira CH, da Silva MDCS, Maciel TA, de Miranda Neto EG, Carvalho LRRA.The use of prostheses in animals with partial limb amputation has emerged as an alternative to euthanasia, aiming to improve their quality of life. However, the fabrication and adaptation remain challenging in Veterinary Medicine. This study aims to evaluate, through a systematic review, the determinants of viability, outcomes, and limitations of exoprostheses in domestic animals of varying sizes. A literature search was conducted in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using structure search terms related to prosthesis, veterinary, amputation. After screening and ...
Hobbs KJ, Ueda Y, Qu Y, Cooper BL, Sheats MK, Burke MJ.To compare the performance of one point-of-care activated clotting time (ACT) machine (Vet-Tube), one point-of-care activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) machine (Coagulation DX), and one bench-top ACT machine (Medtronic ACT II plus) with previously published measurements from stationary devices in whole blood from healthy horses. Methods: Prospective, observational study SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital, from August 2023 to September 2023. Methods: Thirty healthy university-owned horses. Methods: ACT and aPTT were measured via point-of-care analyzers (ACT POC, aPTT POC)...
